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Exceptional image quality with 2,500,000:1 contrast and relatively low 16.9 ms input lag makes the LS12000 a great choice for cinephiles and gamers, though brightness isn’t great and color gamut is just average.
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Table of Contents
Product Snapshot
Overview
The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 is the brand’s premium laser 3LCD home cinema projector, released in 2022. Its high bandwidth capability allows 4K content at 120Hz using pixel shift upscaling, making it one of the best projectors for cinephiles and sports fans. It uses a laser light source rated for 20,000 hours.
The LS12000 employs a 3LCD system with Epson’s 4-phase, dual-axis pixel shift technology, enabling 4K content. Connectivity options include Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 ports, USB ports, analog audio, and digital optical audio. HDMI eARC enables surround sound setup, but it lacks built-in speakers. The throw ratio is 1.18 to 2.48:1 with a 2x optical zoom, giving a 50-300 inch image size and a throw distance of 10.3 to 29.5 feet. The lens shift range is ±96.3% vertical and ±47.1% horizontal.
Consensus
our Verdict
The Epson LS12000 has great image quality, with 2700-lumen brightness and 2,500,000:1 contrast, enabling immersive gaming and cinema. Its 3LCD-based pixel shift technology displays 4K content with excellent sharpness and no noticeable rainbow artifacts. 48-Gbps HDMI bandwidth allows 4K resolution at 120Hz and supports HDR10+ and HLG formats, with 10-bit color processing. It covers 93% of the DCI-P3 color space, slightly more than most tested projectors.
The 16.9-ms input lag is better than average but not outstanding. The LS12000B lacks built-in speakers and a streaming OS. It supports Dolby Atmos via HDMI eARC. Digital keystone adjustment and a 2.1x optical zoom make setup easier. The 1.18-2.48:1 throw ratio range works well for home theater use. At 22dB, the LS12000 is quieter than most projectors.
ReasonS to Buy
Great image quality
2,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio is among the top 25% of tested projectors, meaning dark blacks and a cinematic home theater experience for watching movies and immersive gaming.
Good HDR performance, with accurate colors and no color fringing or rainbow artifacts as on cheaper DLP units
Low input lag and fast responses
4K 120Hz capability (Using pixel shift technology) puts it ahead of most home theater projectors
Its 16.9 ms input lag is better than ⅔ of certified, tested projectors
Reason to Avoid
Brightness not outstanding
2700-lumen lamp output ranks around average for all tested projectors but trails premium-priced models the LS12000 competes with.
Average color gamut
87% DCI-P3 coverage ranks average among our certified, tested projectors.
No built-in smart TV OS
Not the most convenient TV replacement projector
Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 Specs
3D Ready
No
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Brightness
2700 Lumens
Contrast Ratio
2,500,000:1.
Depth
17.60"
Digital Keystone
Yes
Display Technology
3LCD
HDR
HDR10, HDR10+, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)
Height
7.7"
Integrated Speakers
No
Light Source
Laser
Light Source Life
20000 hrs
Max Distance
747.6"
Max Screen Size
300"
Min Distance
58.8"
Min Screen Size
50"
Noise Level
30 dB
Portable
No
Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Resolution
3840 x 2160 (4k)
Smart Functionality
No
Sync Technology
–
TV Tuner
No
ThrowType
Standard Throw
VRR
n/a
Video Inputs
HDMI 2.0, RS232, USB
Weight
28 lbs
Width
20"
Yes
–
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Projectors based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
SDR Brightness (nits)
1,415
HDR Brightness (nits)
0
SDR Brightness (Lumens)
0
HDR Brightness (Lumens)
0
SDR Color Temperature (K)
0
HDR Color Temperature (K)
0
Contrast Ratio (x:y)
0
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv)
93.1
Color Gamut % (Rec. 709)
0
Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020)
0
Color Gamut % (BT.2020)
63
Color Gamut % (BT. 709)
138.9
Input Lag (ms)
28.9
All Tests
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The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 is the brand’s premium laser 3LCD home cinema projector, released in 2022. Its high bandwidth capability allows 4K content at…
The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 is the brand’s premium laser 3LCD home cinema projector, released in 2022. Its high bandwidth capability allows 4K content at 120Hz using pixel shift upscaling, making it one of the best projectors for cinephiles and sports fans. It uses a laser light source rated for 20,000 hours.
The LS12000 employs a 3LCD system with Epson’s 4-phase, dual-axis pixel shift technology, enabling 4K content. Connectivity options include Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 ports, USB ports, analog audio, and digital optical audio. HDMI eARC enables surround sound setup, but it lacks built-in speakers. The throw ratio is 1.18 to 2.48:1 with a 2x optical zoom, giving a 50-300 inch image size and a throw distance of 10.3 to 29.5 feet. The lens shift range is ±96.3% vertical and ±47.1% horizontal.
The Epson Home Cinema LS12000 has better sharpness and shadow detail than the Epson LS800B, as the LS12000 uses a more sophisticated pixel shift system….
The Epson Home Cinema LS12000 has better sharpness and shadow detail than the Epson LS800B, as the LS12000 uses a more sophisticated pixel shift system. The LS12000 can display 4K content at 120Hz, while the LS800B is limited to 4K at 60Hz or 1080p at 120Hz. However, the LS800B is more suited to bright rooms with its 4000-lumen lamp output, whereas the LS12000 puts out 2700 lumens. The LS800B also has a much shorter throw, .16:1, compared to a range of 1.18:1 to 2.28:1 for the LS12000. For a very different Epson option, see our Epson Powerlite 810E Review.
Compared to the Epson Home Cinema 3800 projector, the laser-based LS12000 has a much higher dynamic contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1 compared to 36655:1, so dark…
Compared to the Epson Home Cinema 3800 projector, the laser-based LS12000 has a much higher dynamic contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1 compared to 36655:1, so dark scenes will look darker, and bright areas will pop more. The 3800 does have a slightly higher nominal lamp output of 3000 ANSI lumens compared to the 2700, but the LS12000 produces a much higher-quality image, worthy of its substantial price premium.
The Epson LS12000 has much better overall image quality than the Foremovie Theater projector, with more accurate colors and an average dE of .84 compared…
The Epson LS12000 has much better overall image quality than the Foremovie Theater projector, with more accurate colors and an average dE of .84 compared to the Formovie’s 3.97. The LS12000 also has a higher refresh rate of 120Hz vs. 60Hz. However, the more budget-friendly Formovie gets slightly brighter with 2800 lumens compared to the LS12000’s 2700 lumens. See our Formovie Theater Projector review for more information. For another option, check out our Cinebeam HU715QW review.
